A Tiny Error

Chapter 17

Six weeks later....

Time flew by quickly. A few more days of rest and Error was able to stand on three of his legs. Of course, with the fourth one broken, he still had to limp. Ink took great care making sure Error was comfortable, even going so far as to offer him privacy when he needed to go to the bathroom.

Error had gotten more used to being a dog, reluctantly though. He enjoyed being waited upon by Ink, and just spending time with the creator in general. But, he wanted to be able to return to Nightmare and the gang, participate in the games, watch the others do crazy stuff, and just all around feel at home. Like he belonged. He didn't feel entirely out of place with Ink, but he knew at the bottom of his soul that Nightmare's gang would always be his family. One he wished to see again, one day.

At the end of the six weeks, Ink took Error back to the vet clinic. While waiting, he set Error on the floor so he could explore. Instead of doing that, the pup leaned on Ink's leg, and he grinned.

"It's gonna be ok, Err- ah, Cinnamon," Ink caught himself. He wasn't sure if he could trust anyone listening.
"Once we get that cast off, you'll be able to walk normally, again!"

Error looked up at him, then rubbed his head against Ink's leg. The creator smiled, and gently massaged Error's shoulders. Soon, they were called in by the receptionist.

"Please wait in here," she said, having led them to an exam room like the one they'd been in before. "I hope Cinnamon pulls through ok."

Ink returned the smile she gave him, and watched as she left. He turned and placed Error on the counter, sighing as he sat on a chair.

"That was a stupid name, wasn't it?"

Error looked down and thought for a moment. He would've liked to be named after a delicious spice rather than a mistake. Perhaps people would like him more if they didn't associate him with being a glitch whose only goal is to massacre the multiverse. Or that was just wishful thinking. At length, he returned his gaze to Ink, and shook his head. Ink furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Did you... like the name?"

Error nodded.

"Pffft, why? Er, actually, you can't tell me. Nevermind." He let out a frustrated sigh, then placed his chin in his hands.

Chara came in and greeted them. Sitting down, she examined Error's other injuries.
"Well, his shoulders seem alright, now. I'm worried about those eyes, though. Has there been any change?"

Ink shook his head. Now that he thought about it, Error's eyes resembled how they looked when he was a skeleton. That could explain their strange appearance! He was too distracted by his thoughts to pay attention to Chara, and missed what she had said.

"Hmm? Wh-what did you say?"

"I said I may have to run a couple of scans. I want to know what's causing this, and if we can treat it. It might hinder his progress if another part of his body is working to heal something else."

Ink rubbed his cheek.
"Uh, I-I don't think that will be necessary. I kinda figured out that... that..... h-he was always like that!"
Wow, that was a terrible lie. Now she'll be suspicious.

Chara  glanced at Error, then back at Ink. Dogs are not born with this eye color, and she started to suspect this was some illegal experiment upon which Ink had unknowingly stumbled. Or maybe initiated. Either way, a red color where the eyes should be white is not normal, and letting it persist is bound to cause problems.

"I still think we should try the tests, again. I'll take an x-ray and see if that leg has healed up, ok?"

Ink nodded, and Chara took Error out of the room.